Handheld ultrasonic testing device

ABSTRACT

Example computer systems, computer apparatuses, computer methods, and computer program products are disclosed for testing an ultrasonic gas leak detection device. An example method includes determining a rotary position of a rotary selector of the handheld ultrasonic testing device. The method further includes determining whether the rotary position of the rotary selector corresponds to a first testing mode for testing the ultrasonic gas leak detection device or a second testing mode for testing the ultrasonic gas leak detection device. The method further includes generating a first ultrasonic signal for testing the ultrasonic gas leak detection device in response to determining that the rotary position of the rotary selector corresponds to the first testing mode. The method further includes generating a second ultrasonic signal for testing the ultrasonic gas leak detection device in response to determining that the rotary position of the rotary selector corresponds to the second testing mode.

TECHNOLOGICAL FIELD

Example embodiments of the present disclosure relate generally tosensors and, more particularly, to techniques for testing ultrasonic gasleak detectors.

BACKGROUND

Industrial and commercial applications, including pressurized gasinstallations and processes, are increasingly utilizing gas leak sensorsto detect gas leaks. However, conventional gas leak sensor designscannot safely test those gas leak sensors using a portable test unit.

Applicant has identified a number of deficiencies and problemsassociated with conventional gas leak sensors. Through applied effort,ingenuity, and innovation, many of these identified problems have beensolved by developing solutions that are included in embodiments of thepresent disclosure, many examples of which are described in detailherein.

SUMMARY

Systems, apparatuses, methods, and computer program products aredisclosed herein for providing for a handheld ultrasonic testing devicefor testing an ultrasonic gas leak detection device having testing modethat is selectable between a first testing mode (e.g., a test mode) anda second testing mode (e.g., an alarm mode).

In one example embodiment, an apparatus is provided for testing anultrasonic gas leak detection device. The apparatus may comprise ahousing comprising an inner surface and an outer surface disposedopposite the inner surface. The apparatus may further comprise a rotaryselector disposed around an outer portion of the outer surface of thehousing. The apparatus may further comprise a rotary position sensingdevice encompassed within a first inner portion of the inner surface ofthe housing. The rotary position sensing device may be configured todetermine a rotary position of the rotary selector. The rotary positionof the rotary selector may correspond to a first testing mode fortesting the ultrasonic gas leak detection device or a second testingmode for testing the ultrasonic gas leak detection device. The apparatusmay further comprise an ultrasonic transduction device encompassedwithin a second inner portion of the inner surface of the housing. Theultrasonic transduction device may be configured to, in response to afirst determination by the rotary position sensing device that therotary position of the rotary selector corresponds to the first testingmode, generate a first ultrasonic signal for testing the ultrasonic gasleak detection device. The ultrasonic transduction device may beconfigured to, in response to a second determination by the rotaryposition sensing device that the rotary position of the rotary selectorcorresponds to the second testing mode, generate a second ultrasonicsignal for testing the ultrasonic gas leak detection device. The secondultrasonic signal may be different from the first ultrasonic signal.

In another example embodiment, a method is provided for manufacturing anapparatus for testing an ultrasonic gas leak detection device. Themethod may comprise providing a housing comprising an inner surface andan outer surface disposed opposite the inner surface. The method mayfurther comprise disposing a rotary selector around an outer portion ofthe outer surface of the housing. The method may further comprisedisposing a rotary position sensing device within a first inner portionof the inner surface of the housing. The rotary position sensing devicemay be configured to determine a rotary position of the rotary selector.The rotary position of the rotary selector may correspond to a firsttesting mode for testing the ultrasonic gas leak detection device or asecond testing mode for testing the ultrasonic gas leak detectiondevice. The method may further comprise disposing an ultrasonictransduction device within a second inner portion of the inner surfaceof the housing. The ultrasonic transduction device may be configured to,in response to a first determination by the rotary position sensingdevice that the rotary position of the rotary selector corresponds tothe first testing mode, generate a first ultrasonic signal for testingthe ultrasonic gas leak detection device. The ultrasonic transductiondevice may be further configured to, in response to a seconddetermination by the rotary position sensing device that the rotaryposition of the rotary selector corresponds to the second testing mode,generate a second ultrasonic signal for testing the ultrasonic gas leakdetection device. The second ultrasonic signal may be different from thefirst ultrasonic signal.

In yet another example embodiment, a method is provided for testing anultrasonic gas leak detection device. The method may comprisedetermining, by rotary position sensing circuitry of a handheldultrasonic testing device, a rotary position of a rotary selector of thehandheld ultrasonic testing device. The method may further comprisedetermining, by testing mode determination circuitry of the handheldultrasonic testing device, whether the rotary position of the rotaryselector corresponds to a first testing mode for testing the ultrasonicgas leak detection device or a second testing mode for testing theultrasonic gas leak detection device. The method may further comprise,in response to determining that the rotary position of the rotaryselector corresponds to the first testing mode, generating, byultrasonic transduction circuitry of the handheld ultrasonic testingdevice, a first ultrasonic signal for testing the ultrasonic gas leakdetection device. The method may further comprise, in response todetermining that the rotary position of the rotary selector correspondsto the second testing mode, generating, by the ultrasonic transductioncircuitry, a second ultrasonic signal for testing the ultrasonic gasleak detection device. The second ultrasonic signal may be differentfrom the first ultrasonic signal.

The above summary is provided merely for purposes of summarizing someexample embodiments to provide a basic understanding of some aspects ofthe disclosure. Accordingly, it will be appreciated that theabove-described embodiments are merely examples and should not beconstrued to narrow the scope or spirit of the disclosure in any way. Itwill be appreciated that the scope of the disclosure encompasses manypotential embodiments in addition to those here summarized, some ofwhich will be further described below.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Having described certain example embodiments of the present disclosurein general terms above, reference will now be made to the accompanyingdrawings, which illustrate example embodiments and features of thepresent disclosure and are not necessarily drawn to scale. It will beunderstood that the components and structures illustrated in thedrawings may or may not be present in various embodiments of thedisclosure described herein. Accordingly, some embodiments or featuresof the present disclosure may include fewer or more components orstructures than those shown in the drawings while not departing from thescope of the disclosure.

FIGS. 1A, 1B, 1C, 1D, 1E, 1F, 1G, and 1H illustrate example isometricviews of an example handheld ultrasonic testing device in accordancewith some example embodiments described herein.

FIG. 2 illustrates an example schematic block diagram in accordance withsome example embodiments described herein.

FIG. 3 illustrates an example cross-sectional view of an example portionof an example handheld ultrasonic testing device in accordance with someexample embodiments described herein.

FIG. 4 illustrates an example isometric view of an example handheldultrasonic testing device in accordance with some example embodimentsdescribed herein.

FIG. 5 illustrates an example flowchart illustrating an example methodin accordance with some example embodiments described herein.

FIG. 6 illustrates an example flowchart illustrating another examplemethod in accordance with some example embodiments described herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The following description should be read with reference to the drawingswherein like reference numerals indicate like elements throughout theseveral views. The detailed description and drawings show severalembodiments which are meant to be illustrative of the disclosure. Itshould be understood that any numbering of disclosed features (e.g.,first, second, etc.) and/or directional terms used in conjunction withdisclosed features (e.g., front, back, under, above, etc.) are relativeterms indicating illustrative relationships between the pertinentfeatures.

It should be understood at the outset that although illustrativeimplementations of one or more aspects are illustrated below, thedisclosed assemblies, systems, and methods may be implemented using anynumber of techniques, whether currently known or not yet in existence.The disclosure should in no way be limited to the illustrativeimplementations, drawings, and techniques illustrated below, but may bemodified within the scope of the appended claims along with their fullscope of equivalents. While values for dimensions of various elementsare disclosed, the drawings may not be to scale.

The word “example,” when used herein, is intended to mean “serving as anexample, instance, or illustration.” Any implementation described hereinas an “example” is not necessarily preferred or advantageous over otherimplementations.

The ability to detect a gas leak from pressurized gas installations orprocesses in which there is pressurized gas is an important safetyfeature. This is especially so in industrial applications such as theoil and gas vertical, upstream and downstream. A gas leak from suchinstallations produces a broadband acoustic signal in the range ofaudible and ultrasonic frequencies, which is one of the detectionmethods for such leaks. The detection of gas leaks based on acousticdetection has a number of advantages in comparison with the alternativetypes of gas detection which rely on the physical contact (e.g.,proximity) with the gas molecules of the leak. This is especially truein windy conditions, when the gas leak plume may be directed away fromthe other types of gas detection. The main challenges for the acousticdetection of gas leaks arise from various alternative sources of anacoustic signal, which may lead to false alarms and decreased range ofdetection.

A typical industrial gas installation may have various operatingmachines which will produce various audible signals. However, thesefrequencies experience strong attenuation in the atmosphere (e.g.,0.5-3.0 decibels per meter (dB/m)) and thus the background signal levelfor the ultrasonic frequency range above 20 kilohertz (kHz) is usuallyquite low. This environmental characteristic is one of the main reasonsthat fixed gas leak detection devices operate in the ultrasonicfrequency range even though the detection range in the atmosphere may bebelow 50 meters. However, a need exists for a portable test unitconfigured to test these fixed ultrasonic gas leak detectors, where theportable test unit has two modes (e.g., a test mode and an alarm mode),an intrinsically safe housing, a removable battery pack, and two handedoperation for activation of the alarm mode (e.g., to improve safety andprevent accidental alarm activation). The disclosure solves the problemsdescribed above by providing unique designs for a handheld ultrasonictesting device for testing an ultrasonic gas leak detection device asdescribed in further detail below.

Example embodiments described herein provide systems, apparatuses, andmethods for a handheld ultrasonic testing device for testing anultrasonic gas leak detection device. In some embodiments, theembodiments disclosed herein provide for an intrinsically safe housingfor a handheld ultrasonic testing device for an ultrasonic gas leakdetector. In some embodiments, the electronic components and circuitriesof the handheld ultrasonic testing device are placed and intrinsicallysealed in a safe housing. In some embodiments, the embodiments disclosedherein further provide for a removable battery pack for the handheldultrasonic testing device.

In some embodiments, the embodiments disclosed herein further providefor two modes of operation of the handheld ultrasonic testing device: atest mode (e.g., the first testing mode described herein); and an alarmmode (e.g., the second testing mode described herein). In someembodiments, the handheld ultrasonic testing device described herein mayprovide for the two modes of operation described herein using: a Halleffect sensor disposed within the housing of the handheld ultrasonictesting device; a Hall effect switch coupled to the Hall effect sensorand disposed within the housing of the handheld ultrasonic testingdevice; and a rotary selector magnet fixed in a rotary selector disposedaround the housing of the handheld ultrasonic testing device. In someembodiments, the Hall effect switch may remain switched on when the Halleffect sensor senses that the rotary selector magnet of the rotaryselector is positioned at the base position (e.g., a neutral orun-rotated rotary position). In some embodiments, the rotary selectormay be spring loaded to bias the rotary selector towards the baseposition, allow applied rotation in a counterclockwise direction, and,once the applied rotation ends, automatically return to the baseposition in a clockwise direction. In some embodiments, the Hall effectswitch may be switched off when the Hall effect sensor senses that therotary selector magnet of the rotary selector is positioned at a rotatedposition (e.g., a rotated rotary position of about 90 degrees). In someembodiments, the test mode may remain active while the Hall effectswitch is switched on, and the alarm mode may be activated when the Halleffect switch is switched off to avoid unintended activation of thealarm mode by magnetic field noise from the environment.

In some embodiments, the embodiments disclosed herein further providefor two handed operation of the handheld ultrasonic testing device foractivating the alarm testing mode (e.g., the alarm mode may be activatedby a user only by using both of the user's hands to avoid unconscious orunintended activation of the alarm state of the ultrasonic gas leakdetection device). In some embodiments, the test mode may be activatedwhen the user momentarily depresses a push button (e.g., a one handedpush and hold function) of the handheld ultrasonic testing device and,once the test mode has been activated, trigger a light emitting diode(LED) signalization of the ultrasonic gas leak detection device. In someembodiments, the alarm mode may be activated when the user momentarilydepresses the push button of the handheld ultrasonic testing device withone hand and simultaneously rotates the rotary selector of the handheldultrasonic testing device with the other hand and, once the test modehas been activated, trigger an alarm state of the ultrasonic gas leakdetection device.

In some embodiments, the embodiments disclosed herein further providefor an ultrasonic transduction device (e.g., an ultrasound transducer),an audible transduction device (e.g., a piezoelectric buzzer), and avisual transduction device (e.g., one or more LEDs, such as a green LED,a red LED, any other suitable LED, or any combination thereof) forrespectively providing ultrasonic (e.g., above the limit of humanhearing, such as above 20 kHz), audible (e.g., within the audible limitsof human hearing, such as between about 20 Hz and about 20 kHz), andvisual (e.g., within the visible limits of human sight, such as betweenabout 380 nanometers (nm) and about 740 nm) signals corresponding to thetwo modes of operation of the handheld ultrasonic testing device.

In some embodiments, when the test mode is activated (e.g., when theuser presses a button while a rotary selector is at a base, neutral, orun-rotated rotary position): the ultrasonic transduction device maygenerate a test mode ultrasonic signal for testing the ultrasonic gasleak detection device without activating an alarm or safety systemshutdown; the audible transduction device may generate a test modeaudible signal (e.g., a lower volume buzzing sound, a lower frequencybeeping sound) configured to alert the user that the test mode is activeand the ultrasonic transduction device is generating the test modeultrasonic signal; and the visual transduction device may generate atest mode visual signal (e.g., a green light generated by activation ofa green LED) configured to alert the user that the test mode is activeand the ultrasonic transduction device is generating the test modeultrasonic signal.

In some embodiments, when the alarm mode is activated (e.g., when theuser rotates a rotary selector about 90 degrees and simultaneouslypresses a button): the ultrasonic transduction device may generate analarm mode ultrasonic signal for testing the ultrasonic gas leakdetection device by causing the ultrasonic gas leak detection device toactivate a safety shutdown system in communication with the ultrasonicgas leak detection device (e.g., by causing the ultrasonic gas leakdetection device to generate a safety shutdown control signal such as analarm system activation or deactivation signal, a sprinkler systemactivation or deactivation signal, any other suitable signal, or anycombination thereof); the audible transduction device may generate analarm mode audible signal (e.g., a higher volume buzzing sound, a higherfrequency beeping sound) configured to alert the user that the alarmmode is active and the ultrasonic transduction device is generating thealarm mode ultrasonic signal; and the visual transduction device maygenerate an alarm mode visual signal (e.g., a constant or blinkingorange light generated by simultaneous activation of a green LED and ared LED) configured to alert the user that the alarm mode is active andthe ultrasonic transduction device is generating the alarm modeultrasonic signal.

In some embodiments, the modulation, frequency, amplitude, any othersuitable characteristic, or any combination thereof of the test modeultrasonic signal and the alarm mode ultrasonic signal may be different.In some embodiments, the modulation, frequency, amplitude, any othersuitable characteristic, or any combination thereof of the test modeaudible signal and the alarm mode audible signal may be different. Insome embodiments, the intensity, color (e.g., wavelength), frequency,any other suitable characteristic, or any combination thereof of thetest mode visual signal and the alarm mode visual signal may bedifferent.

There are many advantages of the embodiments disclosed herein, such as:providing an intrinsically safe housing for a handheld ultrasonictesting device; providing a test mode of operation for a handheldultrasonic testing device that a user may activate using one hand (e.g.,by pressing a button); providing an alarm mode of operation for ahandheld ultrasonic testing device that a user may activate only usingtwo hands (e.g., by rotating a rotary selector and pressing a button) toavoid unconscious or unintended activation of the alarm state of theultrasonic gas leak detection device; and providing a removable batterypack for the handheld ultrasonic testing device.

Although the disclosure describes the features of the handheldultrasonic testing device disclosed herein with reference to anultrasonic gas leak detector, the handheld ultrasonic testing devicedisclosed herein may be used to test in any suitable sensor, detector,gauge, instrument, or application where acoustic detection is utilized,utilizable, or otherwise desirable.

FIGS. 1A, 1B, 1C, 1D, 1E, 1F, 1G, and 1H illustrate example isometricviews of an example handheld ultrasonic testing device 100 for testingan ultrasonic gas leak detection device in accordance with some exampleembodiments described herein. In some embodiments, the example handheldultrasonic testing device 100 may be configured to test an ultrasonicgas leak detection device located up to 50 meters away from the examplehandheld ultrasonic testing device 100.

In some embodiments, the example handheld ultrasonic testing device 100may comprise a housing 102 comprising an inner surface and an outersurface disposed opposite the inner surface. In some embodiments, thehousing 102 may comprise anodized aluminum, plastic, or a combinationthereof. In some embodiments, the electronic components and circuitriesof the example handheld ultrasonic testing device 100 may be disposedand intrinsically sealed in the housing 102.

In some embodiments, the example handheld ultrasonic testing device 100may further comprise a rotary selector 104 disposed around a first outerportion 102A of the outer surface of the housing 102. In someembodiments, the example handheld ultrasonic testing device 100 mayfurther comprise a rotary selector spring disposed around the firstouter portion 102A of the housing 102 and an inner surface of the rotaryselector 104. In some embodiments, the rotary selector 104 may be springloaded by the rotary selector spring to bias the rotary selector 104towards the un-rotated rotary position 104A (shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B),allow positive applied rotation in a counterclockwise direction torotate the rotary selector 104 to the rotated rotary position 104B(shown in FIG. 1C), and, once the positively applied rotation ends,automatically return the rotary selector 104 to the un-rotated rotaryposition 104A in a clockwise direction. In some embodiments, the rotaryselector spring may be configured to preload the rotary selector 104such that the un-rotated rotary position 104A of the rotary selector 104corresponds to the first testing mode and the rotated rotary position104B of the rotary selector 104 corresponds to the second testing mode.In some embodiments, an angular difference between the un-rotated rotaryposition of the rotary selector and the rotated rotary position of therotary selector may be about 90 degrees.

In some embodiments, the example handheld ultrasonic testing device 100may further comprise a button 106 disposed through a first subportion ofa second outer portion 102B of the outer surface of the housing 102. Insome embodiments, the button 106 may be biased towards an un-depressedstate 106A (shown in FIG. 1A), allow positive applied force in adownward direction to press the button 106 to the depressed state 106B(shown in FIGS. 1B and 1C), and, once the positively applied force ends,automatically return the button 106 to the un-depressed state 106A in anupward direction. In some embodiments, the example handheld ultrasonictesting device 100 may further comprise a flexible rubber grip disposedaround a second subportion of the second outer portion 102B of the outersurface of the housing 102 to provide for an improved gripping surfacefor the user's hand.

In some embodiments, the example handheld ultrasonic testing device 100may further comprise a rotary position sensing device encompassed withina first inner portion of the inner surface of the housing 102. In someembodiments, the rotary position sensing device may be configured todetermine a rotary position of the rotary selector 104. In someembodiments, the rotary position sensing device may comprise a Halleffect sensor coupled to a Hall effect switch via a substrate (e.g., aprinted circuit board (PCB)). In some embodiments, the example handheldultrasonic testing device 100 may further comprise a rotary selectormagnet attached (e.g., using a two-part epoxy resin) to an inner surfaceof the rotary selector 104. In some embodiments, the Hall effect switchmay remain switched on when the Hall effect sensor senses that therotary selector magnet of the rotary selector 104 is positioned at theun-rotated rotary position 104A. In some embodiments, the Hall effectswitch may be switched off when the Hall effect sensor senses that therotary selector magnet of the rotary selector 104 is positioned at arotated rotary position 104B. In some embodiments, the rotated rotaryposition 104B may be about 90 degrees counterclockwise from theun-rotated rotary position 104A. In some embodiments, the first testingmode may remain active while the Hall effect switch is switched on, andthe second testing mode may be activated when the Hall effect switch isswitched off to avoid unintended activation of the second testing modeby magnetic field noise from the environment.

In some embodiments, the example handheld ultrasonic testing device 100may further comprise an ultrasonic transduction device (e.g., anultrasound transducer) disposed within a second inner portion of theinner surface of the housing 102. In some embodiments, the examplehandheld ultrasonic testing device 100 may further comprise an audibletransduction device (e.g., a piezoelectric buzzer) disposed within athird inner portion of the inner surface of the housing 102. In someembodiments, the example handheld ultrasonic testing device 100 mayfurther comprise an visual transduction device 114 (e.g., one or moreLEDs, such as a green LED, a red LED, any other suitable LED, or anycombination thereof) disposed within a third inner portion of the innersurface of the housing 102 and visible through an aperture defined bythe housing 102. In some embodiments, the ultrasonic transductiondevice, the audible transduction device, and the visual transductiondevice 114 may respectively provide ultrasonic (e.g., above the limit ofhuman hearing, such as above 20 kHz), audible (e.g., within the audiblelimits of human hearing, such as between about 20 Hz and about 20 kHz),and visual (e.g., within the visible limits of human sight, such asbetween about 380 nanometers (nm) and about 740 nm) signalscorresponding to the first testing mode and the second testing mode.

In some embodiments, the example handheld ultrasonic testing device 100may comprise a front cap 108 disposed at a front end of the housing 102.In some embodiments, the front cap 108 may comprise a square-shapedcross-sectional area to allow the example handheld ultrasonic testingdevice 100 to remain rotationally stationary (e.g., to prevent theexample handheld ultrasonic testing device 100 from rolling) when placedon a surface such as a shelf, desk, or table. In some embodiments, thefront cap 108 may define a first aperture 110 acoustically coupled tothe ultrasonic transduction device and a second aperture 112acoustically coupled to the audible transduction device. In someembodiments, the front cap 108 may be attached to the housing 102 usinga fastener 116 (e.g., a countersunk screw or bolt).

In some embodiments, as shown in FIGS. 1D and 1E, the example handheldultrasonic testing device 100 may comprise an end cap 118 disposed at aback end of the housing 102. In some embodiments, the end cap 118 may beremovably attached to the housing 102. In some embodiments, as shown inFIG. 1E, the end cap 118 may comprise a fixed structure 130 to which alanyard 132 may be attached. In some embodiments, the end cap maycomprise socket 119 (e.g., a 6 millimeter hexagon-shaped socket). Insome embodiments, the end cap 118 may be removable from the housing 102only by operation of the socket. For example, as shown in FIG. 1E, theend cap 118 may be removable from the housing 102 by inserting a portionof the end cap removal tool 134 (e.g., a 6 millimeter hexagon socketkey) into the socket 119 and rotating the socket 119 counter-clockwiseusing the end cap removal tool 134.

In some embodiments, as shown in FIGS. 1F and 1G, the example handheldultrasonic testing device 100 may comprise a removable battery pack 136disposed within a fourth inner portion of the inner surface of thehousing 102. In some embodiments, the removable battery pack 136 maycomprise a plurality of removable batteries, such as removable batteries137A, 137B, 137C, and 137D. In some embodiments, the removable batterypack 136 may comprise ten AAA alkaline batteries. In some embodiments,the removable battery pack 136 may be removable from the housing 102after removal of the end cap 118 from the housing 102. For example, asshown in FIG. 1F, the removable battery pack 136 may be removable fromthe housing 102 by pulling on the alignment structure 138 and slidingthe removable battery pack 136 out of the housing 102.

In some embodiments, the end cap 118 may be attachable to the housing102 after insertion of the removable battery pack 136 into the housing102. For example, as shown in FIG. 1H, the removable battery pack 136may be inserted into the housing 102 by sliding a portion of theremovable battery pack 136 into the housing 102, pushing on and rotatingthe alignment structure 138 (e.g., twisting clockwise,counter-clockwise, or both) until the alignment structure 138 isinserted into one or more alignment grooves defined by a subportion ofthe fourth inner portion of the inner surface of the housing 102, andsliding the remaining portion of the removable battery pack 136 into thehousing 102 until the removable battery pack 136 is fully inserted intothe housing 102. Subsequently, the end cap 118 may be attached to thehousing 102 by inserting a portion of the end cap 118 into the housing102 until the threading 139 of the end cap 118 mates with the threading140 of the housing 102, inserting a portion of the end cap removal tool134 into the socket 119, and rotating the socket 119 clockwise using theend cap removal tool 134 until the end cap 118 is fully attached to thehousing 102. In some embodiments, the subportion of the fourth innerportion of the inner surface of the housing 102 may define one or morealignment grooves so that attachment of the end cap 118 is not possibleif the removable battery pack 136 is not seated in the correct positionin the fourth inner portion of the inner surface of the housing 102.

In some embodiments, the example handheld ultrasonic testing device 100may provide for two modes of operation: a first testing mode (e.g., atest mode); and a second testing mode (e.g., an alarm mode). In someembodiments, a first rotary position (e.g., the un-rotated rotaryposition 104A) of the rotary selector 104 may correspond to the firsttesting mode for testing the ultrasonic gas leak detection device. Insome embodiments, the first testing mode, when activated, may beconfigured to test the ultrasonic gas leak detection device withoutcausing the ultrasonic gas leak detection device to activate a safetyshutdown system in communication with the ultrasonic gas leak detectiondevice. In some embodiments, a second rotary position (e.g., the rotatedrotary position 104B) of the rotary selector 104 may correspond to thesecond testing mode for testing the ultrasonic gas leak detectiondevice. In some embodiments, the second ultrasonic signal, whenactivated, may be configured to test the ultrasonic gas leak detectiondevice by causing the ultrasonic gas leak detection device to activate asafety shutdown system in communication with the ultrasonic gas leakdetection device.

In some embodiments, as shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B, the un-rotated rotaryposition 104A of the rotary selector 104 may correspond to the firsttesting mode. In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 1C, the rotatedrotary position 104B of the rotary selector 104 may correspond to thesecond testing mode. In some embodiments, an angular difference betweenthe un-rotated rotary position of the rotary selector and the rotatedrotary position of the rotary selector may be about 90 degrees.

In some embodiments, the ultrasonic transduction device may beconfigured to generate a first ultrasonic signal (e.g., a test modeultrasonic signal) for testing the ultrasonic gas leak detection devicein response to a first determination by the rotary position sensingdevice that the rotary position of the rotary selector 104 correspondsto the first testing mode and the first testing mode has been activated.In some embodiments, the first ultrasonic signal may be configured totest the ultrasonic gas leak detection device without causing theultrasonic gas leak detection device to activate a safety shutdownsystem in communication with the ultrasonic gas leak detection device.

In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 1B, the ultrasonic transductiondevice may be configured to generate the first ultrasonic signal inresponse to a one handed operation of the example handheld ultrasonictesting device 100 by a user of the example handheld ultrasonic testingdevice 100. For example, the ultrasonic transduction device may beconfigured to generate the first ultrasonic signal when the rotaryposition of the rotary selector 104 corresponds to the un-rotated rotaryposition 104A and the button 106 simultaneously corresponds to adepressed state 106B.

In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 1B, when the first testing mode isactivated (e.g., when the user presses a button 106 to the depressedstate 106B while a rotary selector 104 is at the un-rotated rotaryposition 104A): the ultrasonic transduction device may generate a firstultrasonic signal (e.g., a test mode ultrasonic signal) for testing theultrasonic gas leak detection device without activating an alarm orsafety system shutdown; the audible transduction device may generate afirst audible signal (e.g., a test mode audible signal, such as a lowervolume buzzing sound, a lower frequency beeping sound) configured toalert the user that the first testing mode is active and the ultrasonictransduction device is generating the first ultrasonic signal; and thevisual transduction device 114 may generate a first visual signal (e.g.,a test mode visual signal, such as a green light generated by activationof a green LED) configured to alert the user that the first testing modeis active and the ultrasonic transduction device is generating the firstultrasonic signal. In some embodiments, the visual transduction device114 may comprise a single LED configured to emit light at two or morewavelengths, such as green, red, a combination of green and red (e.g.,orange), and any other suitable wavelength.

In some embodiments, the ultrasonic transduction device may be furtherconfigured to generate, in response to a second determination by therotary position sensing device that the rotary position of the rotaryselector corresponds to the second testing mode and the second testingmode has been activated, a second ultrasonic signal (e.g., an alarm modeultrasonic signal) for testing the ultrasonic gas leak detection device,wherein the second ultrasonic signal is different from the firstultrasonic signal. In some embodiments, the second ultrasonic signal maybe configured to test the ultrasonic gas leak detection device bycausing the ultrasonic gas leak detection device to activate a safetyshutdown system in communication with the ultrasonic gas leak detectiondevice. In some embodiments, a first modulation of the first ultrasonicsignal may be different than a second modulation of the secondultrasonic signal.

In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 1C, the ultrasonic transductiondevice may be configured to generate the second ultrasonic signal onlyin response to a two handed operation of the example handheld ultrasonictesting device 100 by a user of the example handheld ultrasonic testingdevice 100. For example, the ultrasonic transduction device may beconfigured to generate the second ultrasonic signal only when the rotaryposition of the rotary selector 104 corresponds to the rotated rotaryposition 104B and the button 106 simultaneously corresponds to thedepressed state 106B.

In some embodiments, when the second testing mode is activated (e.g.,when the user rotates a rotary selector 104 to the rotated rotaryposition 104B and simultaneously presses a button 106 to the depressedstate 106B): the ultrasonic transduction device may generate an a secondultrasonic signal (e.g., an alarm mode ultrasonic signal) for testingthe ultrasonic gas leak detection device by causing the ultrasonic gasleak detection device to activate a safety shutdown system incommunication with the ultrasonic gas leak detection device; the audibletransduction device may generate an second audible signal (e.g., analarm mode audible signal, such as a higher volume buzzing sound, ahigher frequency beeping sound) configured to alert the user that thesecond testing mode is active and the ultrasonic transduction device isgenerating the second ultrasonic signal; and the visual transductiondevice 114 may generate an second visual signal (e.g., alarm mode visualsignal, such as a constant or blinking orange light generated bysimultaneous activation of a green LED and a red LED) configured toalert the user that the second testing mode is active and the ultrasonictransduction device is generating the second ultrasonic signal.

In some embodiments, the modulation, frequency, amplitude, any othersuitable characteristic, or any combination thereof of the firstultrasonic signal and the second ultrasonic signal may be different. Insome embodiments, the modulation, frequency, amplitude, any othersuitable characteristic, or any combination thereof of the first audiblesignal and the second audible signal may be different. In someembodiments, the intensity, color (e.g., wavelength), frequency, anyother suitable characteristic, or any combination thereof of the firstvisual signal and the second visual signal may be different.

The example handheld ultrasonic testing device 100 described withreference to FIG. 1 may be embodied by one or more computingapparatuses, such as apparatus 200 shown in FIG. 2. As illustrated inFIG. 2, the apparatus 200 may include processing circuitry 202, memory204, input-output circuitry 206, communications circuitry 208, rotaryposition sensing circuitry 210, testing mode determination circuitry212, ultrasonic transduction circuitry 214, audible transductioncircuitry 216, and visual transduction circuitry 218. The apparatus 200may be configured to execute the operations described above with respectto FIG. 1 and below with respect to FIGS. 3, 4, 5, and 6. Although someof these components are described with respect to their functionalcapabilities, it should be understood that the particularimplementations necessarily include the use of particular hardware toimplement such functional capabilities. It should also be understoodthat certain of these components may include similar or common hardware.For example, two sets of circuitry may both leverage use of the sameprocessor, network interface, storage medium, or the like to performtheir associated functions, such that duplicate hardware is not requiredfor each set of circuitry.

The use of the term “circuitry” as used herein with respect tocomponents of the apparatus 200 therefore includes particular hardwareconfigured to perform the functions associated with respective circuitrydescribed herein. Of course, while the term “circuitry” should beunderstood broadly to include hardware, in some embodiments, circuitrymay also include software for configuring the hardware. For example, insome embodiments, “circuitry” may include processing circuitry, storagemedia, network interfaces, input-output devices, and other components.In some embodiments, other elements of the apparatus 200 may provide orsupplement the functionality of particular circuitry. For example, theprocessing circuitry 202 may provide processing functionality, memory204 may provide storage functionality, and communications circuitry 208may provide network interface functionality, among other features.

In some embodiments, the processing circuitry 202 (and/or co-processoror any other processing circuitry assisting or otherwise associated withthe processor) may be in communication with the memory 204 via a bus forpassing information among components of the apparatus. The memory 204may be non-transitory and may include, for example, one or more volatileand/or non-volatile memories. For example, the memory 204 may be anelectronic storage device (e.g., a computer readable storage medium). Inanother example, the memory 204 may be a non-transitorycomputer-readable storage medium storing computer-executable programcode instructions that, when executed by a computing system, cause thecomputing system to perform the various operations described herein. Thememory 204 may be configured to store information, data, content,signals applications, instructions (e.g., computer-executable programcode instructions), or the like, for enabling the apparatus 200 to carryout various functions in accordance with example embodiments of thepresent disclosure. It will be understood that the memory 204 may beconfigured to store partially or wholly any electronic information,data, data structures, embodiments, examples, figures, processes,operations, techniques, algorithms, instructions, systems, apparatuses,methods, or computer program products described herein, or anycombination thereof.

The processing circuitry 202 may be embodied in a number of differentways and may, for example, include one or more processing devicesconfigured to perform independently. Additionally or alternatively, theprocessing circuitry 202 may include one or more processors configuredin tandem via a bus to enable independent execution of instructions,pipelining, multithreading, or a combination thereof. The use of theterm “processing circuitry” may be understood to include a single coreprocessor, a multi-core processor, multiple processors internal to theapparatus, remote or “cloud” processors, or a combination thereof.

In an example embodiment, the processing circuitry 202 may be configuredto execute instructions stored in the memory 204 or otherwise accessibleto the processing circuitry 202. Alternatively or additionally, theprocessing circuitry 202 may be configured to execute hard-codedfunctionality. As such, whether configured by hardware or softwaremethods, or by a combination of hardware with software, the processingcircuitry 202 may represent an entity (e.g., physically embodied incircuitry) capable of performing operations according to an embodimentof the present disclosure while configured accordingly. As anotherexample, when the processing circuitry 202 is embodied as an executor ofprogram code instructions, the instructions may specifically configurethe processor to perform the operations described herein when theinstructions are executed.

In some embodiments, the apparatus 200 may include input-outputcircuitry 206 that may, in turn, be in communication with processingcircuitry 202 to provide output to the user and, in some embodiments, toreceive input such as a command provided by the user. The input-outputcircuitry 206 may comprise a user interface, such as a graphical userinterface (GUI), and may include a display that may include a web userinterface, a GUI application, a mobile application, a client device, orany other suitable hardware or software. In some embodiments, theinput-output circuitry 206 may also include a keyboard, a mouse, ajoystick, a display device, a display screen, a touch screen, touchareas, soft keys, a microphone, a speaker, or other input-outputmechanisms. The processing circuitry 202, input-output circuitry 206(which may utilize the processing circuitry 202), or both may beconfigured to control one or more functions of one or more userinterface elements through computer-executable program code instructions(e.g., software, firmware) stored in a non-transitory computer-readablestorage medium (e.g., memory 204). Input-output circuitry 206 isoptional and, in some embodiments, the apparatus 200 may not includeinput-output circuitry. For example, where the apparatus 200 does notinteract directly with the user, the apparatus 200 may generate userinterface data for display by one or more other devices with which oneor more users directly interact and transmit the generated userinterface data to one or more of those devices. For example, theapparatus 200, using user interface circuitry of the apparatus 200, maygenerate user interface data for display by one or more display devicesand transmit the generated user interface data to those display devices.

The communications circuitry 208 may be any device or circuitry embodiedin either hardware or a combination of hardware and software that isconfigured to receive or transmit data from or to a network or any otherdevice, circuitry, or module in communication with the apparatus 200. Inthis regard, the communications circuitry 208 may include, for example,a network interface for enabling communications with a wired or wirelesscommunication network. For example, the communications circuitry 208 mayinclude one or more network interface cards, antennae, buses, switches,routers, modems, and supporting hardware and/or software, or any otherdevice suitable for enabling communications via a network. In someembodiments, the communication interface may include the circuitry forinteracting with the antenna(s) to cause transmission of signals via theantenna(s) or to handle receipt of signals received via the antenna(s).These signals may be transmitted or received by the apparatus 200 usingany of a number of Internet, Ethernet, cellular, satellite, or wirelesstechnologies, such as IEEE 802.11, Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA),Global System for Mobiles (GSM), Universal Mobile TelecommunicationsSystem (UMTS), Long-Term Evolution (LTE), Bluetooth® v1.0 through v5.0,Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE), infrared wireless (e.g., IrDA),ultra-wideband (UWB), induction wireless transmission, Wi-Fi, near fieldcommunications (NFC), Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access(WiMAX), radio frequency (RF), RFID, or any other suitable technologies.

In some embodiments, communications circuitry 208 may comprise hardwarecomponents designed or configured to receive, from a user device, anelectronic indication of a monitoring mode for an ultrasonic gas leakdetection device. In some embodiments, the communications circuitry 208may receive the electronic indication of the monitoring mode in responseto a user using input-output circuitry 206 of a user device to select amonitoring mode from a list of monitoring modes (e.g., a list ofmonitoring modes comprising a standard mode and a focus mode) displayedin a graphical user interface provided by user interface circuitry ofthe apparatus 200. In some embodiments, the electronic indication of themonitoring mode may correspond to a standard mode or a focus mode.

The rotary position sensing circuitry 210 includes hardware componentsdesigned or configured to receive, process, generate, and transmit data,such as rotary position data. In some embodiments, the rotary positionsensing circuitry 210 may be configured to a rotary position of a rotaryselector of a handheld ultrasonic testing device based on any embodimentor combination of embodiments described with reference to any of FIGS.1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6.

The testing mode determination circuitry 212 includes hardwarecomponents designed or configured to receive, process, generate, andtransmit data, such as testing mode statuses. In some embodiments, thetesting mode determination circuitry 212 may be configured to determinewhether the rotary position of the rotary selector corresponds to afirst testing mode (e.g., a test mode) for testing the ultrasonic gasleak detection device or a second testing mode (e.g., an alarm mode) fortesting the ultrasonic gas leak detection device based on any embodimentor combination of embodiments described with reference to any of FIGS.1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6.

The ultrasonic transduction circuitry 214 includes hardware componentsdesigned or configured to receive, process, generate, and transmit data,such as ultrasonic signals. In some embodiments, the ultrasonictransduction circuitry 214 may be configured to generate a firstultrasonic signal (e.g., a test mode ultrasonic signal) for testing theultrasonic gas leak detection device based on any embodiment orcombination of embodiments described with reference to any of FIGS. 1,2, 3, 4, 5, and 6. In some embodiments, the ultrasonic transductioncircuitry 214 may be configured to generate a second ultrasonic signal(e.g., an alarm mode ultrasonic signal) for testing the ultrasonic gasleak detection device based on any embodiment or combination ofembodiments described with reference to any of FIGS. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and6.

The audible transduction circuitry 216 includes hardware componentsdesigned or configured to receive, process, generate, and transmit data,such as audible signals. In some embodiments, the audible transductioncircuitry 216 may be configured to generate a first audible signal(e.g., a test mode audible signal) for testing the ultrasonic gas leakdetection device based on any embodiment or combination of embodimentsdescribed with reference to any of FIGS. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6. In someembodiments, the audible transduction circuitry 216 may be configured togenerate a second audible signal (e.g., an alarm mode audible signal)for testing the ultrasonic gas leak detection device based on anyembodiment or combination of embodiments described with reference to anyof FIGS. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6.

The visual transduction circuitry 218 includes hardware componentsdesigned or configured to receive, process, generate, and transmit data,such as visual signals. In some embodiments, the visual transductioncircuitry 218 may be configured to generate a first visual signal (e.g.,a test mode visual signal) for testing the ultrasonic gas leak detectiondevice based on any embodiment or combination of embodiments describedwith reference to any of FIGS. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6. In someembodiments, the visual transduction circuitry 218 may be configured togenerate a second visual signal (e.g., an alarm mode visual signal) fortesting the ultrasonic gas leak detection device based on any embodimentor combination of embodiments described with reference to any of FIGS.1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6.

In some embodiments, each of the rotary position sensing circuitry 210,testing mode determination circuitry 212, ultrasonic transductioncircuitry 214, audible transduction circuitry 216, and visualtransduction circuitry 218 may include a separate processor, speciallyconfigured field programmable gate array (FPGA), application specificinterface circuit (ASIC), or cloud utility to perform the abovefunctions. In some embodiments, the hardware components described abovewith reference to rotary position sensing circuitry 210, testing modedetermination circuitry 212, ultrasonic transduction circuitry 214,audible transduction circuitry 216, and visual transduction circuitry218, may, for instance, utilize communications circuitry 208 or anysuitable wired or wireless communications path to communicate with auser device, each other, or any other suitable circuitry or device.

In some embodiments, one or more of the rotary position sensingcircuitry 210, testing mode determination circuitry 212, ultrasonictransduction circuitry 214, audible transduction circuitry 216, andvisual transduction circuitry 218 may be hosted locally by the apparatus200. In some embodiments, one or more of the rotary position sensingcircuitry 210, testing mode determination circuitry 212, ultrasonictransduction circuitry 214, audible transduction circuitry 216, andvisual transduction circuitry 218 may be hosted remotely (e.g., by oneor more cloud servers) and thus need not physically reside on theapparatus 200. Thus, some or all of the functionality described hereinmay be provided by a remote circuitry. For example, the apparatus 200may access one or more remote circuitries via any sort of networkedconnection that facilitates transmission of data and electronicinformation between the apparatus 200 and the remote circuitries. Inturn, the apparatus 200 may be in remote communication with one or moreof the rotary position sensing circuitry 210, testing mode determinationcircuitry 212, ultrasonic transduction circuitry 214, audibletransduction circuitry 216, and visual transduction circuitry 218.

As described above and as will be appreciated based on this disclosure,embodiments of the present disclosure may be configured as systems,apparatuses, methods, mobile devices, backend network devices, computerprogram products, other suitable devices, and combinations thereof.Accordingly, embodiments may comprise various means including entirelyof hardware or any combination of software with hardware. Furthermore,embodiments may take the form of a computer program product on at leastone non-transitory computer-readable storage medium havingcomputer-readable program instructions (e.g., computer software)embodied in the storage medium. Any suitable computer-readable storagemedium may be utilized including non-transitory hard disks, CD-ROMs,flash memory, optical storage devices, or magnetic storage devices. Aswill be appreciated, any computer program instructions and/or other typeof code described herein may be loaded onto a computer, processor orother programmable apparatus's circuitry to produce a machine, such thatthe computer, processor, or other programmable circuitry that executesthe code on the machine creates the means for implementing variousfunctions, including those described herein.

The user device may be embodied by one or more computing devices orsystems that also may include processing circuitry, memory, input-outputcircuitry, and communications circuitry. For example, a user device maybe a laptop computer on which an app (e.g., a GUI application) isrunning or otherwise being executed by processing circuitry. In yetanother example, a user device may be a smartphone on which an app(e.g., a webpage browsing app) is running or otherwise being executed byprocessing circuitry. As it relates to operations described in thepresent disclosure, the functioning of these devices may utilizecomponents similar to the similarly named components described abovewith respect to FIG. 2. Additional description of the mechanics of thesecomponents is omitted for the sake of brevity. These device elements,operating together, provide the respective computing systems with thefunctionality necessary to facilitate the communication of data with theultrasonic gas leak detector described herein.

FIG. 3 illustrates an example cross-sectional view of an examplehandheld ultrasonic testing device 300 for testing an ultrasonic gasleak detection device in accordance with some example embodimentsdescribed herein. In some embodiments, the example handheld ultrasonictesting device 300 may be configured to test an ultrasonic gas leakdetection device located up to 50 meters away from the example handheldultrasonic testing device 300.

In some embodiments, the example handheld ultrasonic testing device 300may comprise a housing 302 comprising an inner surface and an outersurface disposed opposite the inner surface. In some embodiments, thehousing 302 may comprise anodized aluminum, plastic, or a combinationthereof. In some embodiments, the electronic components and circuitriesof the example handheld ultrasonic testing device 300 may be disposedand intrinsically sealed in the housing 302. In some embodiments, thehousing 302 may be a two-part housing in which a first part of thehousing 302 (e.g., a front part of the housing 302 as indicated by thefirst outer portion 302A of the outer surface of the housing 302) may beattached to a second part of the housing 302 (e.g., a rear part of thehousing 302 as indicated by the second outer portion 302B of the outersurface of the housing 302) using a fastener 317 (e.g., a countersunkscrew or bolt).

In some embodiments, the example handheld ultrasonic testing device 300may further comprise a rotary selector 304 disposed around a first outerportion 302A of the outer surface of the housing 302. In someembodiments, the example handheld ultrasonic testing device 300 mayfurther comprise a rotary selector spring 305 disposed around the firstouter portion 302A of the housing 302 and an inner surface of the rotaryselector 304. In some embodiments, the rotary selector 304 may be springloaded by the rotary selector spring 305 to bias the rotary selector 304towards the un-rotated rotary position, allow positive applied rotationin a counterclockwise direction to rotate the rotary selector 304 to therotated rotary position, and, once the positively applied rotation ends,automatically return the rotary selector 304 to the un-rotated rotaryposition in a clockwise direction. In some embodiments, the rotaryselector spring 305 may be configured to preload the rotary selector 304such that the un-rotated rotary position of the rotary selector 304corresponds to the first testing mode and the rotated rotary position ofthe rotary selector 304 corresponds to the second testing mode. In someembodiments, an angular difference between the un-rotated rotaryposition of the rotary selector and the rotated rotary position of therotary selector may be about 90 degrees.

In some embodiments, the example handheld ultrasonic testing device 300may further comprise a button 306 disposed through a first subportion ofthe second outer portion 302B of the outer surface of the housing 302.In some embodiments, the button 306 may be biased towards anun-depressed state, allow positive applied force in a downward directionto press the button 306 to the depressed state, and, once the positivelyapplied force ends, automatically return the button 306 to theun-depressed state in an upward direction. In some embodiments, theexample handheld ultrasonic testing device 300 may further comprise aflexible rubber grip disposed 303 around a second subportion of thesecond outer portion 302B of the outer surface of the housing 302 toprovide for an improved gripping surface for the user's hand.

In some embodiments, the example handheld ultrasonic testing device 300may further comprise a rotary position sensing device encompassed withina first inner portion of the inner surface of the housing 302. In someembodiments, the rotary position sensing device may be configured todetermine a rotary position of the rotary selector 304. In someembodiments, the rotary position sensing device may comprise a Halleffect sensor 320 coupled to a Hall effect switch 321 via a substrate322 (e.g., a PCB). In some embodiments, the example handheld ultrasonictesting device 300 may further comprise a rotary selector magnet 324attached (e.g., using a two-part epoxy resin) to an inner surface of therotary selector 304. In some embodiments, the Hall effect switch 321 mayremain switched on when the Hall effect sensor 320 senses that therotary selector magnet 324 of the rotary selector 304 is positioned atthe un-rotated rotary position. In some embodiments, the Hall effectswitch 321 may be switched off when the Hall effect sensor 320 sensesthat the rotary selector magnet 324 of the rotary selector 304 ispositioned at a rotated rotary position. In some embodiments, therotated rotary position may be about 90 degrees counterclockwise fromthe un-rotated rotary position. In some embodiments, the first testingmode may remain active while the Hall effect switch 321 is switched on,and the second testing mode may be activated when the Hall effect switch321 is switched off to avoid unintended activation of the second testingmode by magnetic field noise from the environment.

In some embodiments, the example handheld ultrasonic testing device 300may further comprise an ultrasonic transduction device 326 (e.g., anultrasound transducer) disposed within a second inner portion of theinner surface of the housing 302. In some embodiments, the examplehandheld ultrasonic testing device 300 may further comprise an audibletransduction device 328 (e.g., a piezoelectric buzzer) disposed within athird inner portion of the inner surface of the housing 302. In someembodiments, the example handheld ultrasonic testing device 300 mayfurther comprise an visual transduction device 314 (e.g., one or moreLEDs, such as a green LED, a red LED, any other suitable LED, or anycombination thereof) disposed within a third inner portion of the innersurface of the housing 302 and visible through an aperture defined bythe housing 302. In some embodiments, the ultrasonic transduction device326, the audible transduction device 328, and the visual transductiondevice 314 may respectively provide ultrasonic (e.g., above the limit ofhuman hearing, such as above 20 kHz), audible (e.g., within the audiblelimits of human hearing, such as between about 20 Hz and about 20 kHz),and visual (e.g., within the visible limits of human sight, such asbetween about 380 nanometers (nm) and about 740 nm) signalscorresponding to the first testing mode and the second testing mode.

In some embodiments, the example handheld ultrasonic testing device 300may comprise a front cap 308 disposed at a front end of the housing 302.In some embodiments, the front cap 308 may comprise a square-shapedcross-sectional area to allow the example handheld ultrasonic testingdevice 300 to remain rotationally stationary (e.g., to prevent theexample handheld ultrasonic testing device 300 from rolling) when placedon a surface such as a shelf, desk, or table. In some embodiments, thefront cap 308 may define a first aperture 310 acoustically coupled tothe ultrasonic transduction device 326 and a second aperture 312acoustically coupled to the audible transduction device 328. In someembodiments, the front cap 308 may be attached to the housing 302 usinga fastener 316 (e.g., a countersunk screw or bolt).

In some embodiments, the example handheld ultrasonic testing device 300may provide for two modes of operation—a first testing mode (e.g., atest mode) and a second testing mode (e.g., an alarm mode)—as describedin greater detail above with reference to FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 illustrates an example isometric view of an example handheldultrasonic testing device 400 for testing an ultrasonic gas leakdetection device in accordance with some example embodiments describedherein. In some embodiments, the example handheld ultrasonic testingdevice 400 may be configured to test an ultrasonic gas leak detectiondevice located up to 50 meters away from the example handheld ultrasonictesting device 400.

In some embodiments, the example handheld ultrasonic testing device 400may comprise a housing 402 comprising an inner surface and an outersurface disposed opposite the inner surface. In some embodiments, thehousing 402 may comprise anodized aluminum, plastic, or a combinationthereof. In some embodiments, the electronic components and circuitriesof the example handheld ultrasonic testing device 400 may be disposedand intrinsically sealed in the housing 402.

In some embodiments, the example handheld ultrasonic testing device 400may further comprise a rotary selector 404 disposed around a first outerportion 402A of the outer surface of the housing 402. In someembodiments, the example handheld ultrasonic testing device 400 mayfurther comprise a rotary selector spring disposed around the firstouter portion 402A of the housing 402 and an inner surface of the rotaryselector 404. In some embodiments, the rotary selector 404 may be springloaded by the rotary selector spring to bias the rotary selector 404towards the un-rotated rotary position, allow positive applied rotationin a counterclockwise direction to rotate the rotary selector 404 to therotated rotary position, and, once the positively applied rotation ends,automatically return the rotary selector 404 to the un-rotated rotaryposition in a clockwise direction. In some embodiments, the rotaryselector spring may be configured to preload the rotary selector 404such that the un-rotated rotary position of the rotary selector 404corresponds to the first testing mode and the rotated rotary position ofthe rotary selector 404 corresponds to the second testing mode. In someembodiments, an angular difference between the un-rotated rotaryposition of the rotary selector and the rotated rotary position of therotary selector may be about 90 degrees.

In some embodiments, the example handheld ultrasonic testing device 400may further comprise a button 406 disposed through a second outerportion 402B of the outer surface of the housing 402. In someembodiments, the button 406 may be biased towards an un-depressed state,allow positive applied force in a downward direction to press the button406 to the depressed state, and, once the positively applied force ends,automatically return the button 406 to the un-depressed state in anupward direction. In some embodiments, the second outer portion 402B ofthe outer surface of the housing 402 may be textured or machined toprovide for an improved gripping surface for the user's hand.

In some embodiments, the example handheld ultrasonic testing device 400may further comprise a rotary position sensing device encompassed withina first inner portion of the inner surface of the housing 402. In someembodiments, the rotary position sensing device may be configured todetermine a rotary position of the rotary selector 404. In someembodiments, the rotary position sensing device may comprise a Halleffect sensor coupled to a Hall effect switch via a substrate (e.g., aPCB). In some embodiments, the example handheld ultrasonic testingdevice 400 may further comprise a rotary selector magnet attached (e.g.,using a two-part epoxy resin) to an inner surface of the rotary selector404. In some embodiments, the Hall effect switch may remain switched onwhen the Hall effect sensor senses that the rotary selector magnet ofthe rotary selector 404 is positioned at the un-rotated rotary position.In some embodiments, the Hall effect switch may be switched off when theHall effect sensor senses that the rotary selector magnet of the rotaryselector 404 is positioned at a rotated rotary position. In someembodiments, the rotated rotary position may be about 90 degreescounterclockwise from the un-rotated rotary position. In someembodiments, the first testing mode may remain active while the Halleffect switch is switched on, and the second testing mode may beactivated when the Hall effect switch is switched off to avoidunintended activation of the second testing mode by magnetic field noisefrom the environment.

In some embodiments, the example handheld ultrasonic testing device 400may further comprise an ultrasonic transduction device (e.g., anultrasound transducer) disposed within a second inner portion of theinner surface of the housing 402. In some embodiments, the examplehandheld ultrasonic testing device 400 may further comprise an audibletransduction device (e.g., a piezoelectric buzzer) disposed within athird inner portion of the inner surface of the housing 402. In someembodiments, the example handheld ultrasonic testing device 400 mayfurther comprise an visual transduction device 414 comprising a firstLED 414A (e.g., a green LED), a second LED 414B (e.g., a yellow LED),and a third LED 414C (e.g., a red LED) disposed within a third innerportion of the inner surface of the housing 402 and visible through arespective aperture defined by the housing 402. In some embodiments, thevisual transduction device 414 may comprise a single LED configured toemit light at two or more wavelengths, such as green, red, a combinationof green and red (e.g., orange), and any other suitable wavelength. Insome embodiments, the ultrasonic transduction device, the audibletransduction device, and the visual transduction device 414 mayrespectively provide ultrasonic (e.g., above the limit of human hearing,such as above 20 kHz), audible (e.g., within the audible limits of humanhearing, such as between about 20 Hz and about 20 kHz), and visual(e.g., within the visible limits of human sight, such as between about380 nanometers (nm) and about 740 nm) signals corresponding to the firsttesting mode and the second testing mode.

In some embodiments, the example handheld ultrasonic testing device 400may comprise a front cap 408 disposed at a front end of the housing 402.In some embodiments, the front cap 408 may comprise a square-shapedcross-sectional area to allow the example handheld ultrasonic testingdevice 400 to remain rotationally stationary (e.g., to prevent theexample handheld ultrasonic testing device 400 from rolling) when placedon a surface such as a shelf, desk, or table. In some embodiments, thefront cap 408 may define a first aperture acoustically coupled to theultrasonic transduction device and a second aperture acousticallycoupled to the audible transduction device. In some embodiments, thefront cap 408 may be attached to the housing 402 using a fastener (e.g.,a countersunk screw or bolt).

In some embodiments, the example handheld ultrasonic testing device 400may comprise an end cap 418 disposed at a back end of the housing 402.In some embodiments, the end cap 418 may be removably attached to thehousing 102. In some embodiments, the example handheld ultrasonictesting device 400 may comprise a removable battery pack disposed withina fourth inner portion of the inner surface of the housing 402. In someembodiments, the removable battery pack may be removable from thehousing 402 after removal of the end cap 418 from the housing 402. Insome embodiments, the end cap may comprise a socket 419 (e.g., ahexagon-shaped socket, a slot-shaped socket). In some embodiments, theend cap 418 may be removable from the housing 402 only by operation ofthe socket 419 (e.g., by rotating the socket by about 90 degrees, 720degrees, or any other suitable amount). In some embodiments, the end cap418 may comprise a rotatable structure 430 to which a lanyard 432 may beattached.

In some embodiments, the example handheld ultrasonic testing device 400may provide for two modes of operation—a first testing mode (e.g., atest mode) and a second testing mode (e.g., an alarm mode)—as describedin greater detail above with reference to FIG. 1.

In some embodiments, the handheld ultrasonic testing device disclosedherein may comprise any combination of components, structures, andfeatures discussed with reference to example handheld ultrasonic testingdevice 100, apparatus 200, example handheld ultrasonic testing device300, or example handheld ultrasonic testing device 400, including theaddition or omission of components, structures, and features.

Having described specific components of example devices involved in thepresent disclosure, example procedures for providing a handheldultrasonic testing device for testing an ultrasonic gas leak detectiondevice are described below in connection with FIGS. 5 and 6.

FIG. 5 illustrates an example flowchart 500 that contains exampleoperations for manufacturing or otherwise providing an apparatus (e.g.,apparatus 100, 200, 300, 400) for testing an ultrasonic gas leakdetection device according to some example embodiments described herein.

As shown by operation 502, the example flowchart 500 may begin byproviding a housing (e.g., housing 102, 302, 402) comprising an innersurface and an outer surface disposed opposite the inner surface.

As shown by operation 504, the example flowchart 500 may proceed todisposing a rotary selector (e.g., rotary selector 104, 304, 404) arounda first outer portion (e.g., first outer portion 102A, 302A, 402A) ofthe outer surface of the housing.

As shown by operation 506, the example flowchart 500 may proceed todisposing a rotary position sensing device (e.g., a rotary positionsensing device comprising a Hall effect sensor 320 coupled to a Halleffect switch 321 via a substrate 322) within a first inner portion ofthe inner surface of the housing. The rotary position sensing device maybe configured to determine (e.g., using rotary position sensingcircuitry 210) a rotary position of the rotary selector. In someembodiments, the rotary position of the rotary selector may correspondto a first testing mode for testing the ultrasonic gas leak detectiondevice or a second testing mode for testing the ultrasonic gas leakdetection device.

As shown by operation 508, the example flowchart 500 may proceed todisposing an ultrasonic transduction device (e.g., ultrasonictransduction device 326) within a second inner portion of the innersurface of the housing. In some embodiments, the ultrasonic transductiondevice may be configured to generate a first ultrasonic signal (e.g., atest mode ultrasonic signal) for testing the ultrasonic gas leakdetection device in response to a first determination by the rotaryposition sensing device (e.g., using the testing mode determinationcircuitry 212) that the rotary position of the rotary selectorcorresponds to the first testing mode and, optionally, that a button(e.g., button 106, 306, 406) of the handheld ultrasonic testing deviceis in a depressed state (e.g., depressed state 106B shown in FIG. 1B).In some embodiments, the ultrasonic transduction device may be furtherconfigured to generate a second ultrasonic signal (e.g., an alarm modeultrasonic signal) for testing the ultrasonic gas leak detection devicein response to a second determination by the rotary position sensingdevice (e.g., using the testing mode determination circuitry 212) thatthe rotary position of the rotary selector corresponds to the secondtesting mode and, optionally, that a button of the handheld ultrasonictesting device is in the depressed state (e.g., depressed state 106Bshown in FIG. 1C). In some embodiments, the second ultrasonic signal maydifferent from the first ultrasonic signal as described herein.

Optionally (not shown in FIG. 5), the method may further comprisedisposing a spring around the first outer portion of the housing. Insome embodiments, the spring may be configured to preload the rotaryselector such that an un-rotated rotary position of the rotary selectorcorresponds to the first testing mode and a rotated rotary position ofthe rotary selector corresponds to the second testing mode. In someembodiments, an angular difference between the un-rotated rotaryposition of the rotary selector and the rotated rotary position of therotary selector may be about 90 degrees.

Optionally, the method may further comprise disposing a button (e.g.,button 106, 306, 406) through a second outer portion (e.g., second outerportion 102B, 302B, 402B) of the outer surface of the housing.

Optionally, the method may further comprise disposing a front cap (e.g.,front cap 108, 308, 408) at a front end of the housing. In someembodiments, the front cap may comprise a square-shaped cross-sectionalarea to prevent the apparatus from rolling and allow the apparatus toremain rotationally stationary when placed on a surface such as a shelf,desk, or table.

Optionally, the method may further comprise disposing an end cap (e.g.,end cap 118, 418) at a back end of the housing. In some embodiments, theend cap may be removably attached to the housing.

Optionally, the method may further comprise disposing a battery pack(e.g., a removable battery pack) within a third inner portion of theinner surface of the housing. In some embodiments, the battery pack maybe removable from the housing after removal of the end cap from thehousing. In some embodiments, the end cap may comprise a socket (e.g.,socket 419). In some embodiments, the end cap may be removable from thehousing only by operation of the socket (e.g., by rotating the socket byabout 90 degrees, 720 degrees, or any other suitable amount).

In some embodiments, operations 502, 504, 506, and 508 may notnecessarily occur in the order depicted in FIG. 5. In some embodiments,one or more of the operations depicted in FIG. 5 may occur substantiallysimultaneously. In some embodiments, one or more additional operationsmay be involved before, after, or between any of the operations shown inFIG. 5.

FIG. 6 illustrates an example flowchart 600 that contains exampleoperations for testing an ultrasonic gas leak detection device accordingto some example embodiments described herein. The operations describedin connection with FIG. 6 may, for example, be performed by one or morecomponents described with reference to example handheld ultrasonictesting device 100 shown in FIG. 1, example handheld ultrasonic testingdevice 300 shown in FIG. 3, or example handheld ultrasonic testingdevice 400 shown in FIG. 4; by apparatus 200 shown in FIG. 2 (e.g., byor through the use of one or more of processing circuitry 202, memory204, input-output circuitry 206, communications circuitry 208, rotaryposition sensing circuitry 210, testing mode determination circuitry212, ultrasonic transduction circuitry 214, audible transductioncircuitry 216, visual transduction circuitry 218, any other suitablecircuitry, and any combination thereof); by any other componentdescribed herein; or by any combination thereof.

As shown by operation 602, the apparatus 200 includes means, such asrotary position sensing circuitry 210 or the like, for determining arotary position of a rotary selector (e.g., rotary selector 104, 304,404) of a handheld ultrasonic testing device (e.g., handheld ultrasonictesting device 100, 300, 400) as described herein.

As shown by operation 604, the apparatus 200 includes means, such astesting mode determination circuitry 212 or the like, for determiningwhether the rotary position of the rotary selector corresponds to afirst testing mode (e.g., a test mode) for testing the ultrasonic gasleak detection device or a second testing mode (e.g., an alarm mode) fortesting the ultrasonic gas leak detection device as described herein.

As shown by operation 606, the apparatus 200 includes means, such asultrasonic transduction circuitry 214 or the like, for generating afirst ultrasonic signal (e.g., a test mode ultrasonic signal) fortesting the ultrasonic gas leak detection device as described herein. Insome embodiments, the ultrasonic transduction circuitry 214 may generatethe first ultrasonic signal in response to determining that the rotaryposition of the rotary selector corresponds to the first testing mode(e.g., un-rotated rotary position 104A shown in FIG. 1B) and that abutton (e.g., button 106, 306, 406) of the handheld ultrasonic testingdevice is in a depressed state (e.g., depressed state 106B shown in FIG.1B) as described herein.

As shown by operation 608, the apparatus 200 includes means, such asultrasonic transduction circuitry 214 or the like, for generating asecond ultrasonic signal (e.g., an alarm mode ultrasonic signal) fortesting the ultrasonic gas leak detection device as described herein. Insome embodiments, the second ultrasonic signal is different from thefirst ultrasonic signal as described herein. In some embodiments, theultrasonic transduction circuitry 214 may generate the second ultrasonicsignal in response to determining that the rotary position of the rotaryselector corresponds to the second testing mode (e.g., rotated rotaryposition 104B shown in FIG. 1C) and that the button of the handheldultrasonic testing device is in the depressed state (e.g., depressedstate 106B shown in FIG. 1C) as described herein.

In some embodiments, operations 602, 604, 606, and 608 may notnecessarily occur in the order depicted in FIG. 6. In some embodiments,one or more of the operations depicted in FIG. 6 may occur substantiallysimultaneously. In some embodiments, one or more additional operationsmay be involved before, after, or between any of the operations shown inFIG. 6.

As described above and with reference to FIGS. 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5, exampleembodiments of the present disclosure thus provide for a portable,handheld ultrasonic testing device for testing an ultrasonic gas leakdetection device. Thus, the handheld ultrasonic testing device disclosedherein may safely test ultrasonic gas leak detection devices by:providing an intrinsically safe housing that encloses and intrinsicallyseals various electrical components and circuitries; providing a testmode of operation that a user may activate using one hand (e.g., bypressing a button); providing an alarm mode of operation for a handheldultrasonic testing device that a user may activate only using two hands(e.g., by rotating a rotary selector and pressing a button) to avoidunconscious or unintended activation of the alarm state of theultrasonic gas leak detection device; and providing a removable batterypack for the handheld ultrasonic testing device.

FIGS. 5 and 6 thus illustrate example flowcharts describing operationsperformed in accordance with example embodiments of the presentdisclosure. It will be understood that each operation of the flowcharts,and combinations of operations in the flowcharts, may be implemented byvarious means, such as devices comprising hardware, firmware, one ormore processors, and/or circuitry associated with execution of softwarecomprising one or more computer program instructions. For example, oneor more of the procedures described above may be performed by executionof program code instructions. In this regard, the program codeinstructions that, when executed, cause performance of the proceduresdescribed above may be stored by a non-transitory computer-readablestorage medium (e.g., memory 204) of a computing apparatus (e.g.,apparatus 200) and executed by a processor (e.g., processing circuitry202) of the computing apparatus. In this regard, the computer programinstructions which embody the procedures described above may be storedby a memory of an apparatus employing an embodiment of the presentdisclosure and executed by a processor of the apparatus. As will beappreciated, any such computer program instructions may be loaded onto acomputer or other programmable apparatus (e.g., hardware) to produce amachine, such that the resulting computer or other programmableapparatus provides for implementation of the functions specified in theflowcharts 500 and 600. When executed, the instructions stored in thecomputer-readable storage memory produce an article of manufactureconfigured to implement the various functions specified in theflowcharts 500 and 600. The program code instructions may also be loadedonto a computer or other programmable apparatus to cause a series ofoperations to be performed on the computer or other programmableapparatus to produce a computer-implemented process such that theinstructions executed on the computer or other programmable apparatusprovide operations for implementing the functions specified in theoperations of flowcharts 500 and 600. Moreover, execution of a computeror other processing circuitry to perform various functions converts thecomputer or other processing circuitry into a particular machineconfigured to perform an example embodiment of the present disclosure.

The flowchart operations described with reference to FIGS. 5 and 6support combinations of means for performing the specified functions andcombinations of operations for performing the specified functions. Itwill be understood that one or more operations of the flowchart, andcombinations of operations in the flowchart, may be implemented byspecial purpose hardware-based computer systems which perform thespecified functions, or combinations of special purpose hardware andcomputer instructions.

In some example embodiments, certain ones of the operations herein maybe modified or further amplified as described below. Moreover, in someembodiments additional optional operations may also be included. Itshould be appreciated that each of the modifications, optional additionsor amplifications described herein may be included with the operationsherein either alone or in combination with any others among the featuresdescribed herein.

The foregoing method descriptions and the process flow diagrams areprovided merely as illustrative examples and are not intended to requireor imply that the steps of the various embodiments must be performed inthe order presented. As will be appreciated by one of skill in the artthe order of steps in the foregoing embodiments may be performed in anyorder. Words such as “thereafter,” “then,” “next,” and similar words arenot intended to limit the order of the steps; these words are simplyused to guide the reader through the description of the methods.Further, any reference to claim elements in the singular, for example,using the articles “a,” “an” or “the,” is not to be construed aslimiting the element to the singular and may, in some instances, beconstrued in the plural.

While various embodiments in accordance with the principles disclosedherein have been shown and described above, modifications thereof may bemade by one skilled in the art without departing from the teachings ofthe disclosure. The embodiments described herein are representative onlyand are not intended to be limiting. Many variations, combinations, andmodifications are possible and are within the scope of the disclosure.Alternative embodiments that result from combining, integrating, and/oromitting features of the embodiment(s) are also within the scope of thedisclosure. Accordingly, the scope of protection is not limited by thedescription set out above, but is defined by the claims which follow,that scope including all equivalents of the subject matter of theclaims. Each and every claim is incorporated as further disclosure intothe specification and the claims are embodiment(s) of the presentdisclosure. Furthermore, any advantages and features described above mayrelate to specific embodiments, but shall not limit the application ofsuch issued claims to processes and structures accomplishing any or allof the above advantages or having any or all of the above features.

In addition, the section headings used herein are provided forconsistency with the suggestions under 37 C.F.R. § 1.77 or to otherwiseprovide organizational cues. These headings shall not limit orcharacterize the disclosure set out in any claims that may issue fromthis disclosure. For instance, a description of a technology in the“Background” is not to be construed as an admission that certaintechnology is prior art to any disclosure in this disclosure. Neither isthe “Summary” to be considered as a limiting characterization of thedisclosure set forth in issued claims. Furthermore, any reference inthis disclosure to “disclosure” or “embodiment” in the singular shouldnot be used to argue that there is only a single point of novelty inthis disclosure. Multiple embodiments of the present disclosure may beset forth according to the limitations of the multiple claims issuingfrom this disclosure, and such claims accordingly define the disclosure,and their equivalents, that are protected thereby. In all instances, thescope of the claims shall be considered on their own merits in light ofthis disclosure, but should not be constrained by the headings set forthherein.

Also, techniques, systems, subsystems, and methods described andillustrated in the various embodiments as discrete or separate may becombined or integrated with other systems, modules, techniques, ormethods without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.Other devices or components shown or discussed as coupled to, or incommunication with, each other may be indirectly coupled through someintermediate device or component, whether electrically, mechanically, orotherwise. Other examples of changes, substitutions, and alterations areascertainable by one skilled in the art and could be made withoutdeparting from the scope disclosed herein.

Many modifications and other embodiments of the disclosure set forthherein will come to mind to one skilled in the art to which theseembodiments pertain having the benefit of teachings presented in theforegoing descriptions and the associated figures. Although the figuresonly show certain components of the apparatus and systems describedherein, various other components may be used in conjunction with thecomponents and structures disclosed herein. Therefore, it is to beunderstood that the disclosure is not to be limited to the specificembodiments disclosed and that modifications and other embodiments areintended to be included within the scope of the appended claims. Forexample, the various elements or components may be combined, rearranged,or integrated in another system or certain features may be omitted ornot implemented. Moreover, the steps in any method described above maynot necessarily occur in the order depicted in the accompanyingdrawings, and in some cases one or more of the steps depicted may occursubstantially simultaneously, or additional steps may be involved.Although specific terms are employed herein, they are used in a genericand descriptive sense only and not for purposes of limitation.

The invention claimed is:
 1. An apparatus for testing an ultrasonic gasleak detection device, the apparatus comprising: a rotary selectorconfigurable between a first rotary position and a second rotaryposition, wherein the rotary selector is biased to the first rotaryposition; a rotary position sensing device configured to determine arotary position of the rotary selector, wherein the first rotaryposition of the rotary selector corresponds to a first testing mode fortesting the ultrasonic gas leak detection device and the second rotaryposition of the rotary selector corresponds to a second testing mode fortesting the ultrasonic gas leak detection device; a button configurablebetween an un-depressed state and a depressed state, wherein the buttonis biased to the un-depressed state; and an ultrasonic transductiondevice configured to: in response to a first determination by the rotaryposition sensing device that the rotary position of the rotary selectoris the first rotary position corresponding to the first testing mode andthe button simultaneously corresponds to the depressed state, generate afirst ultrasonic signal for testing the ultrasonic gas leak detectiondevice; in response to a second determination by the rotary positionsensing device that the rotary position of the rotary selector is thesecond rotary position corresponding to the second testing mode and thebutton simultaneously corresponds to the depressed state, generate asecond ultrasonic signal for testing the ultrasonic gas leak detectiondevice, wherein the second ultrasonic signal is different from the firstultrasonic signal.
 2. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising ahousing comprising an inner surface and an outer surface disposedopposite the inner surface, wherein the rotary selector is disposedaround an outer portion of the outer surface of the housing, wherein therotary position sensing device is encompassed within a first innerportion of the inner surface of the housing, and wherein the ultrasonictransduction device is encompassed within a second inner portion of theinner surface of the housing.
 3. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein therotary selector is biased to the first rotary position via a springconfigured to preload the rotary selector, such that the first rotaryposition is an un-rotated rotary position of the rotary selectorcorresponding to the first testing mode, and the second rotary positionis a rotated rotary position of the rotary selector corresponding to thesecond testing mode.
 4. The apparatus of claim 3, wherein an angulardifference between the un-rotated rotary position of the rotary selectorand the rotated rotary position of the rotary selector is about 90degrees.
 5. The apparatus of claim 3, wherein the ultrasonictransduction device is configured to generate the first ultrasonicsignal in response to a one handed operation of the apparatus by a userof the apparatus.
 6. The apparatus of claim 5, wherein the ultrasonictransduction device is configured to generate the first ultrasonicsignal when the rotary position of the rotary selector corresponds tothe un-rotated rotary position and the button simultaneously correspondsto the depressed state.
 7. The apparatus of claim 3, wherein theultrasonic transduction device is configured to generate the secondultrasonic signal only in response to a two handed operation of theapparatus by a user of the apparatus.
 8. The apparatus of claim 7,wherein the ultrasonic transduction device is configured to generate thesecond ultrasonic signal only when the rotary position of the rotaryselector corresponds to the rotated rotary position and the buttonsimultaneously corresponds to the depressed state.
 9. The apparatus ofclaim 1, wherein the rotary selector is configured to rotate toward thesecond rotary position in response to an applied rotational force andautomatically return to the first rotary position in an instance inwhich the applied rotational force is removed.
 10. The apparatus ofclaim 1, wherein the button is configured to move toward the depressedstate in response to an applied force and automatically return to theun-depressed state in an instance in which the applied force is removed.